did not receive early intervention services; and b) individuals 3 years of age and older with disabilities who are eligible to receive preschool services under IDEA, Part B, Section 619, until such individuals are eligible to enter kindergarten or an earlier timeframe. The Part B Section 619 program is focused on preschool-aged children from 3 through 5 years. In Pennsylvania, the program is jointly overseen by the Department of Education (Part B) and the Department of Human Services (Part C), with direct administration by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Pennsylvania counties have responsibilities that affect virtually all operational aspects of the Part C EI program (PA Chapter 4226). These responsibilities include administrative and linkage structures for: a Child Find system, eligibility determinations and at-risk category tracking, fiscal administration, contracts with providers, monitoring and data reporting, and so forth.
Each states’ Part C EI program is required to have a Child Find system, which must include referral procedures (IDEA Part C Sections 303.302 and 303.303). These procedures must detail general referral approaches, specific procedures for use by primary referral sources, as well as those tailored for specific infants and toddlers who are the subject of a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect or are identified as directly affected by illegal substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure. Primary referral sources include birth hospitals/neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric primary care providers, early care and education providers, other health or social service agencies, and those who serve vulnerable families in homeless shelters and domestic violence agencies. In addition, families may self-refer to Part C for screening and evaluation to determine eligibility. Figure 2 shows the elements of the Pennsylvania Child Find process prior to entering the Part C EI program.
Figure 2. Pennsylvania Child Find Process Prior to Entering Part C Pennsylvania Child Find Process Prior to Entering Part C
Home from birth setting
NO
NO
Need NICU
Parental concern
Typical development
Birth
Family
YES
YES
NICU care
Primary care & well-child visit
Health providers
Develop- mental screening
Indication of developmental risk or delay
Home visiting Early care & education Child welfare
Monitor at-risk in certain categories
Other providers and programs
YES, referral to Part C by provider or family may self refer
Others
NO
YES
Comprehensive evaluation confirms status
Part C agencies and staff
Referral to Part C
Initial process
Eligible for Part C
June 2022
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